Monday, 22 September 2008

More Straddie Pics...

This is the main bedroom - I used an old cane bed head I found which I painted blue and the shades on the lamps are made in a new floral fabric I love. I threw lots of patterned cushions on the bed which I dressed with a plain white quilt. The bedside tables are white painted timber with basket drawers - perfect of the beach.

Here is one of the flower arrangements I did in an old blue and white jug. I placed it into a vignette on the big old white sideboard I have in the dining area. Note the India Hicks candle - one of my favourite scented candles.

This is the little shelf Harry and I had fun filling with bits and pieces found from around the Island and some pretty jars from the back of a cupboard.

Harry and I went over to Straddie late last week to get the house ready for some tenants arriving. I also had my handyman come over to do some bits and pieces around the place which was SO great. He hung the little old printer's shelf I found at one of my favourite junk shops on the wall above the blue inlay chest on the back deck. Harry and I scouted around the Island looking for things to fill it with. We found shells, stones, bits of wood, dried fern leaves, dried seed pods and a few little jars I had hidden away in the cupboard.

When visitors/tenants are coming to stay at the house I love to fill it with fresh flowers & foliage which I pick from the middle of the island....usually I pick lots of pretty Banksia and other Australian natives which I place into big vases. I do it in the hope that it makes the people staying feel special. I also love to leave little luxuries around for the visitors to use. For example I leave lots of beautiful candles, a pretty set of place mats and napkins so that they can entertain their family & friends on the back deck, pretty soap in the bathroom etc. etc. I like to make it the way I would like it if I was renting the house. Anyway, I received a lovely text from the visitors staying in the house at the moment saying how lovely it all was and they particularly loved the fresh flowers. So all the hard work does pay off in the end!! Please email me anna@blackandspiro.com.au for enquiries about renting the house for a holiday.

I have posted some more images above as I have been asked by readers to share some more pics.

35 comments:

Oh Anna. I love your Straddie house. Where did you get the little red cushions from, or are they from B&S? I love your blue and white ginger jar collection, I will hae to group mine together now...it looks great! BTW, congrats on the Martha feature. Ness xx

I'm sure all your extra work is very much appreciated - I love staying in a holiday house where the owner has made a special effort, and you obviously go above and beyond! Thanks for the photo of your printer's tray. I have one hanging on my wall which has been empty for a while, and I have been looking for some inspiration to fill all the little holes. I will get my kids to look out for some beachy finds on our upcoming holidays and it will make a lovely change from the vintage bits and bobs I previously had in it.Clare

Oh no Anastacia - nothing in that house is too precious!! Everything has been done using up bits of furniture I've had or inexpensive pieces I've found in junk shops! Your boys would be welcome anytime! I'm sure you'll have fun on your holiday at the Gold Coast!xxAnna

I was glad to see more pics of your Straddie house, I drooled over the ones you posted a while ago. As I used to go to Straddie on camping weekends as a kid I would love to go back, may I'll book your house for a special getaway!

Beautiful and delicious - but I would expect nothing less from you! - And I love your floral arrangements, who would have thought Australian natives could look so chic. Thanks for sharing your beautiful beach home x

I established this blog in 2006 so that I could record my inspirations, my thoughts and my work as an Interior Designer. Based in Brisbane, Australia, my store Black & Spiro is always filled with a unique collection of interesting things which we scour the globe to find. I am most passionate about my family, my career, tradition, collecting, flowers, fabric, gardening, colour and quality and I will always strive to be creative and extraordinary in everything I do. I hope I can inspire you to live a bright and colourful life surrounded by the things you love.